Have stayed at Shooting Star Apts but have just found out its being converted to a backpackers resort - great if U wanna party but not if U want some shut-eye! Any recommendations for decent central studio, 1 bed or hotel accommodation with car parking facilities but walking distance to Shields St area for those great dishes at Fasta Pasta! Have just seen advertised: 201 Lake St Apartments, opened this month? Anyone know anything about them?

We stayed at the Acacia Court Hotel which is right on the water, but a bit farther out of the center than some of the pricier places. It was comfortable and I got a great deal on expedia. They have lots of parking and it is definitely in walking distance to Shield St. Too bad we didn't know about Fasta Pasta! But we did have a great dinner somewhere near there - I just can't remember the name.

What a shame about Shooting Star. Have also stayed a few times for the same reason, cheap and close to Shield St. This is going back a few years but remember when I first chose SS I was also lookig at the motel attached to Club Crocodile (but that has a backpacker section so was concerned about noise) and apartments above the bus terminus but cannot recall it's name.

Stayed recently at Cairns Queenslander but it was a bit too far away and also The Outrigger that was very tiny and more standard pricing.

Thanks for the input! Oh Edwin where did you go to..boohoohoo! Shall continue search for somewhere decent, central and reasonable! By the way did anyone do a tour to Daintree/Mossman Gorge? Not sure whether to drive up + stay overnight or do a day trip from Cairns?

Hi MellyMel,
Not sure if this is what you are looking for but we stayed at The Hotel Cairns cnr of Abbot and Florence Streets. It is one block back from the Esplanade, and a short walk (no more than 5 minutes) to the great eating places. We stayed there two years in a row, and would return there.

Just checked The Hotel Cairns - www.thehotelcairns.com/
looks fab, but doesn't seem to offer any advance booking discounts - cdoes anyone know of any disocunted website for bookings?

Check out the Coral Tree Inn. It is basic accommodation about 5 to 10 minutes walk from the downtown area. The prices should be affordable.